Welcome to the November 2008 issue of the Real Choice Newsletter

In this Issue

	Illinois Candidates on Disability Issues
	Help for Voters with Disabilities
	Speak Up Speak Out
	Howe...Moving Towards Closure
	The Campaign Welcomes a New Organizer

Upcoming Events

Election Day - Tuesday Nov. 4

Speak Up Speak Out - Nov. 5-7

Howe Public Comment - Nov. 5- Dec. 19

About REAL CHOICE

The Campaign for Real Choice in Illinois is people with disabilities organizing for freedom and choice. We are a grassroots, citizen action organization consisting of people with disabilities and their supporters. For more on the Campaign, go to realchoiceinillinois.org

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Illinois Candidates on Disability Issues

     Tuesday is decision day...the day when citizens get to pick who will represent them in government.
      Last May, the Campaign for Real Choice distributed 265 questionnaires to all candidates for the 2008 election for the Illinois Legislature. We received a total of 34 responses, 6 from Senatorial candidates and 28 from Representative candidates. One of the Representative candidates was running unopposed and decided not to answer the questions.
     The first five questions asked a series of yes or no questions about the rights and interests of people with disabilities and provided additional space for comments. Survey results showed support for the protection of the civil rights of people with disabilities and their ability to be the primary decision maker in their lives. In addition, all but one of the Senatorial candidates said they would make it a priority to include people with disabilities as part of their political team and/or as advisors.
     We asked about support for legislation that requires technology to be made accessible for people with disabilities and again we saw support from the candidates. There was one Senatorial and one Representative candidate that did not support this kind of legislation.  Our final yes or no question asked about integrated community living and mechanisms of “Money Follows the Person” legislation and for the most part there was support for such legislation. 31 of the candidate responses were in support of “Money Follows the Person” Legislation.
     The questionnaire also addressed the issues of Housing, Employment, Education, Health Care, Transportation, and Voting. Candidates provided more detailed descriptions of their views and efforts.
     For more information on whether or not your candidate responded and their responses to these questions please take a look at the survey on our website. www.realchoiceinillinois.org/real_questionnaire.asp
    There appears to be a lack of understanding of just how powerful the disability vote really is. Although the respondents to this questionnaire were generally supportive of our issues, only 13% of candidates replied. Well, there’s one way we can show them. VOTE on Tuesday!
 

Help for Voters with Disabilities

     Equip for Equality has developed a helpline for voters with disabilities.  On Tuesday Novemeber 4, Equip for Equality will have advocates available by telephone to assist voters with disabilities.  They will be ready to answer any questions about any voting problems you might experience. 

For Assistance:

Call: 1.800.537.2632

TTY: 1.800.610.2779

Speak Up Speak Out

     The 2008 Speak Up Speak Out Summit on November 5-7 is an opportunity for people with disabilities from around the state to come together and talk about what they want and how to get it. 

     This year's Summit will focus on:

1. Increasing choices and control by people who receive services!
2. Self-Advocacy!
3. How individuals, family and community can work together to achieve desired outcomes!
4. Take home ideas and plans to make positive change in your life and your community!

     For more information visit www.speakupspeakoutsummit2008.org

Howe...Moving Towards Closure

     On September 5, the Department of Human Services notified the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (CGFA) that the Department was closing Howe Developmental Center. This was great news for the Campaign for Real Choice and the Community for All Coalition. However, our work is not done yet! AFSCME, the union representing Howe employees, is starting a grassroots campaign to keep the institution open.

     There is still more work to be done.  If you would like to get involved please contact us at sarah@realchoiceinillinois.org.

The Campaign Welcomes a New Organizer

     The Campaign for Real Choice has hired a new organizer, Sarah Castle. Sarah was a student at the University of Illinois for both her undergraduate and graduate education and was also a member of the Women’s wheelchair basketball team. She graduated with a Masters degree in political science from the Civic Leadership program in May. Sarah was also a member of the United States Womens wheelchair basketball team that won gold at the Beijing Paralympic Games, in September. She is now working on helping the campaign expand in Illinois and to help people with disabilities advocate for themselves and for what they want.